Core knowledge and skills

The core knowledge and skills for library and information professionals include:

Knowledge of the broad context of the information environment, demonstrated by the ability to:

• understand and interpret the contexts in which information is originated, stored, organised, retrieved, disseminated and used;

• comprehend the ethical, legal and policy issues that are relevant to the sector;

• envision future directions and negotiate alliances for library and information sector development aligned with corporate, social and cultural goals and values.

Information seeking, demonstrated by the ability to:

• understand and investigate how information is effectively sought and utilised;

• identify and investigate information needs and information behaviour of individuals, community groups, organizations and businesses.

Information infrastructure, demonstrated by the ability to:

• understand the importance of information architecture to determine the structure, design and flows of information;

• forecast, plan, facilitate and evaluate appropriate resource management to library and information services.

Information organisation, demonstrated by the ability to:

• enable information access and use through systematic and user-centred description, categorisation, storage, preservation and retrieval.

Information access, demonstrated by the ability to:

• provide and promote free and equitable access to information and client services;

• facilitate the acquisition, licensing or creation of information in a range of media and formats.

Information services, sources and products, demonstrated by the ability to:

• design and deliver customised information services and products;

• assess the value and effectiveness of library and information facilities, products and services;

• market library and information services;

• identify and evaluate information services, sources and products to determine their relevance to the information needs of users;

• use research skills to provide appropriate information to clients.

Information literacy education, demonstrated by the ability to:

• understand the need for information skills in the community;

• facilitate the development of information literacy and the ability to critically evaluate information.

Generation of knowledge, demonstrated by the ability to:

• systematically gather and analyse data and disseminate the findings to advance library and information science theory and its application to the provision of information services;

• demonstrate a commitment to the improvement of professional practice through a culture of research and evidence-based information practice.

Generic skills and attributes
The generic skills and attributes for library and information professionals include:

• effective communication skills;

• professional ethical standards and social responsibility;

• project management skills;

• critical, reflective, and creative thinking;

• problem-solving skills;

• business acumen;

• ability to build partnerships and alliances;

• effective team relationship skills;

• self management skills;

• a commitment to life-long learning;

• relevant information and communications technology and technology application skills;

• appropriate information literacy skills.

As all areas of library and information practice will continue to evolve and develop over time, the overall framework of core knowledge, skills and attributes needs to be able to encompass the changing nature of the discipline to ensure a flexible, adaptable and innovative profession.

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 632